Chase and I have official survived our sixth move together in less than three years of marriage. Yes, that would be six times we have packed our things and relocated to a “new” home. Some were for a short while, but we did manage to live in one for a whopping year. This move was so different. This move, yet painful while packing, sorting, and unpacking (let us be real… the unpacking will continue for several days). The end result of this move is our version of village paradise. Not to mention we are now living in the first house my husband designed and built with our friends and workers at Abaana’s Hope. How special is that? Well, let me tell you, exceptionally special!
Chase has spent hours upon hours on these homes and I could not be more proud of him! Satan has worked over time to try to put up road blocks every step of the way, but Chase preserved and they are now complete (minus a few minor things). I am now praising God for my hard-working husband and God’s ability to make this happen!
Although this is our fourth house in Uganda, there are a lot of “firsts” with this one.
For the first time in two years and two months we do not have a to make an almost daily commute of 45 minutes to an hour on the worst roads imaginable. Did I mention our vehicle does not have a air-conditioner? Well, it does not which means we get blasted with a ton of dust from the dirt roads. The dust is cool if you like to be painted with a clay tan and have your allergies go nuts. I however prefer quit the opposite!
For the first time in two years and two months we are able to use the water straight from the faucet to cook, clean and brush our teeth with. No more caring bottles of water to the bathroom or making sure we have plenty of water jugs for drinking and cooking.
For the first time in two years and two months we get to live among our friends and co-workers. Living in town has it perks. But, nothing can compare to knowing our neighbors and being able to simply be with them at almost any time of day.
These houses are far nicer and more beautiful than anything we could rent in town. But, this move, as amazing as this house is, is not about getting to live comfortably with lots of modern conveniences. This move is about getting more time to minister to the community around Abaana’s Hope. Do not get me wrong the modern conveniences are a huge perk (as already stated), and I LOVE them! But, oh the potential is endless for reaching the lost and helping grow new believers in the AH community.
The reality is, all missionary parents and children will be able to be involved in day-to-day activities and socialization at AH now. Previously missionary moms (sometimes dads) had to stay in town at their houses to home school their children. That only left them the weekends and may be one additional day available to come to the land to build relationships and love on our people. Now, once all families move out to AH, missionary children will be able to go play on the play ground with other children after they finish their school work. Parent’s who are teaching their children will be able to leave their homes and go love on people after they a finished teaching or they can walk a few feet to meet a village friend anytime during the day to take a much-needed break.
Pray with us that these amazing homes are a catalyst to building relationships and leading people to Jesus.
Here are a few pictures of the homes that my husband has worked tirelessly to make the Abaana’s Hope team dream a reality. Ignore all the things on the front porch, like I said, there are still a few minor things to be done, so until then, the homes in the compound will be work space. Oh’ and the mess that come with unpacking, just ignore it please.
The Barbrey Tales 